Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Forfeiture in Plunder Cases: Tracing Ill-Gotten Wealth and Protecting State Interests
Explaining how the Supreme Court upheld the forfeiture of assets traceable to plunder, including shares held by third parties, under RA 7080.
Moral Ascendancy and Rape Credibility: Lessons from an Incest Conviction
How the Supreme Court weighed a father's moral ascendancy over his daughter in affirming an incest rape conviction.
Expropriation for Socialized Housing: Balancing Public Needs and Private Property Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements local governments must meet before expropriating private land for socialized housing under R.A. 7279.
Jurisdiction Over Subdivision Disputes: HLURB vs RTC in Enforcement Actions
Ortigas v. CA clarifies when HLURB has exclusive jurisdiction over subdivision disputes and when the RTC handles local government enforcement cases.
Torrens Title vs Claim of Inheritance: Resolving Land Ownership Disputes
When does a Torrens title prevail over a claim of inheritance? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules in land disputes.
When the Ombudsman Cannot Appeal a Reversed Administrative Decision
The Supreme Court rules on the Ombudsman's lack of legal standing to appeal when its administrative decision is reversed on appeal.
Contempt and Corporate Audits: The Boundaries of Court Orders and Stockholder Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when court-ordered corporate audits and contempt citations stand—and when they become moot.
Breach of Trust: Examining Guilt in Step-Parent Rape Cases Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a stepfather's rape conviction, explaining how moral ascendancy and threats establish intimidation in incestuous rape.
Determining the Reckoning Point for Unlawful Detainer Actions: The Significance of the Final Demand to Vacate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that the one-year period for unlawful detainer is counted from the last demand to vacate, not lease expiration.
Employee Theft and Termination: Defining Analogous Serious Misconduct in Philippine Labor Law
When does stealing a co-worker's property justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Illegal Possession of Dangerous Drugs and the Credibility of Testimony
In People v. Maraorao, the Supreme Court acquitted an accused after finding a glaring inconsistency in the arresting officer's testimony on who held the bag of shabu.
Treachery and Witness Testimony: How Philippine Courts Establish Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
In People v. Dones, the Supreme Court affirmed a murder conviction based on a single eyewitness and explained when treachery qualifies a killing.
Unauthorized Practice of Law and Judicial Ethics: Lessons from Ciocon-Reer v. Lubao
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges face administrative liability and penalizes a non-lawyer for unauthorized practice of law.
Enforced Disappearance and State Complicity: The Amparo Writ's Core Requirement
The Supreme Court clarifies that a writ of amparo requires proof of state involvement in enforced disappearances, not just evidence that a person is missing.
Falsification of Official Documents: Upholding Integrity in Public Service
Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's DTR falsification underscores that public office is a public trust and dishonesty merits severe penalties.
Retirement Benefits and Voluntary Resignation: Clarifying Eligibility Under Philippine Law
Can resignation save retirement benefits after administrative liability? The Supreme Court clarifies forfeiture rules for public officers.
Navigating Legislative Inquiries Upholding Senate Authority IN Corporate Mismanagement Probes
Resignation Does Not Erase Dishonesty: Rojas v. Mina on Court Employees' Liability
The Supreme Court held that a court employee's resignation does not extinguish administrative liability for stealing and encashing checks payable to judges.
Retirement Benefits for Judges: Voluntary Resignation vs. Involuntary Incapacity
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge may retire with benefits under RA 910, distinguishing voluntary resignation from incapacity.
Upholding Public Trust: Dishonesty Leads to Dismissal Despite Mitigating Factors
Supreme Court ruling shows falsifying a Daily Time Record is grave dishonesty warranting forfeiture of retirement benefits, even after resignation.
Altering Court Orders: When Court Personnel Commit Dishonesty
A court legal researcher altered a judge's order after retirement. The Supreme Court ruled on dishonesty and penalties for court personnel.
When an Agent Exceeds Authority: Surety Bonds and the Limits of Apparent Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal is liable for an agent's unauthorized surety bond, and when third persons must verify authority.
Age Matters: Distinguishing Sexual Abuse from Rape Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sexual act against a minor is sexual abuse under RA 7610 versus statutory rape under the Revised Penal Code.
Age Discrepancies in Statutory Rape: Reassessing Penalties Under Special Laws and the Revised Penal Code
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a child victim's age determines whether an offender is charged with statutory rape or sexual abuse under RA 7610.